Another kinda slow week for music buying, at least if you like what I like. Here are some highlights.

Sheryl Crow “100 Miles from Memphis”-As I have mentioned in a previous post, I haven’t really dug Sheryl’s last couple of albums. However, the smooth first single “Summer Day” has me anticipating a Sheryl album more than I have in at least a decade. Keith Richards and Justin Timberlake both guest here, and she covers Citizen Cope’s “Sideways”. She also gives a nod to an artist who gave her an early break by covering the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”.

Francis & the Lights “It’ll Be Better”-I first heard of this Canadian outfit via Drake. They opened for the hip-hop sensation on his most recent outing and also produced the standout “Karaoke” on his “Thank Me Later” album. Their debut album/EP is a pretty soulful affair with a bit of an indie-pop kick. Or maybe it’s a Canadian kick. Either way, they’re automatically the most soulful thing to come out of the Great White North since…ever?

Rick Ross “Teflon Don”-I’ve actually heard good things about the latest album by the Miami rapper from people whose tastes I actually trust. That doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere NEAR this album, however. Yeah, open minded and blah blah blah, but I wouldn’t buy a Rick Ross album unless there was a crisp $100 bill in it for me.

On the B List this week-a new volume of “Kidz Bop” (yay!), the debut CD from reggae singer Gyptian, the soundtrack to the Jonas Brothers’ latest TV show (which should be entitled “14:59”), aggro-pop never-weres 12 Stones, a new set from surprise VMA winner Tokio Hotel, and a covers album from surprise Grammy Best New Artist Marc Cohn. Gonna pass on that? Yeah, me too.

As always, make sure you’re checking outPause and Play for a full list of current and upcoming releases.